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Wu's trip shows value of `soft diplomacy'

First lady Wu Shu-chen (吳淑珍) is on a "journey of democracy and goodwill" to the US. Right before Wu left Taiwan, she was criticized by some people for her comments on Soong Mayling (宋美齡) -- widow of the late president Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石).

The media also made comparisons between the two wo-men's US visits. They have both visited the US in order to seek support. Due to the completely different times and backgrounds, however, a democratized Taiwan has received much more recognition from the US.

"Head-of-state diplomacy" is the most direct way for Taiwan to break through China's blockade and increase the nation's visibility. Both former vice president Lien Chan (連戰) and Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) have traveled abroad on behalf of the president.

But President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) wife also has a new role -- traveling on behalf of her husband. Among the wives of all Asian leaders, we can hardly find anyone who shoulders such a heavy responsibility of visiting the US -- because no other country will stage a protest if their husbands want to visit the US. Wu's messages and role are crucial if overseas visits of vice presidents and first ladies are "head-of-state diplomacy" made flexible.

Members of the US Congress, civic groups and the media have offered Wu a courteous reception. This was a clear recognition of Taiwan's democracy, as well as a compensation for not being able to invite Chen to visit. Wu's sense of humor and down-to-earth style are her distinguishing characteristics. But good preparation is essential for her to speak on behalf of the president in order to seek support from the US.

From conscripts serving their alternative military service work abroad to the first lady, they are all making efforts for the nation's "people's diplomacy."

The "soft" side of Taiwan's national strength can certainly make up for the inadequacies on its "hard" side. As the old saying goes, "The pen is mightier than the sword." Still, only witty and down-to-earth language can give full play to the power of the pen.

Lin Cheng-yi is the director of the Institute of European and American Studies at the Academia Sinica.

TRANSLATED BY EDDY CHANG
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